KIGALI, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Monday severed its diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing Brussels' "pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."

"The government of Rwanda today notified the government of Belgium of its decision to sever diplomatic relations, effective immediately," the Rwandan foreign ministry said in a statement. "Rwanda's decision has been taken after careful consideration of several factors, all linked with Belgium's pitiful attempts to sustain its neocolonial delusions."

"Belgium has consistently undermined Rwanda, both well before and during the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in which Belgium has a deep and violent historical role, especially in acting against Rwanda," the statement said.

Belgium described Kigali's move as "disproportionate" and said it will take similar measures.

"Belgium regrets the decision of Rwanda to cut off diplomatic relations with Belgium and to declare Belgium's diplomats persona non grata," Maxime Prevot, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, European affairs and development cooperation of Belgium, said on social media.

"This is disproportionate and shows that when we disagree with Rwanda they prefer not to engage in dialogue," he said.

"Belgium will take similar measures: the convocation of the Rwandan charge d'affaires a.i., declaring Rwanda's diplomats persona non grata and denouncing our governmental cooperation agreements," Prevot said. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)